Kirgate Market stallholders hit out at illegal markets

Traders in Kirkgate Market have signed a petition asking for the Council to take action against market operators

Stallholders at the city’s Kirkgate Market are calling on Bradford Council to take immediate action to close down a number of unlicensed markets that have sprung up around the city.

They fear they are losing trade to the illegal markets and are concerned about a “very worrying reduction in the number of shoppers using Kirkgate Market and an increase in empty shops in the complex”.

Dozens of traders at the Council-run market have signed a petition asking the authority to take action as it holds market franchise rights in the district giving protection from a rival market within around six miles. In addition, anyone wanting to operate a commercial market would need a licence from the Council.